Against the backdrop of brewing political imbroglio in Ondo State – South West Nigeria, the Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWG) has called for absolute respect for the sanctity of the Nigerian Constitution.
Presently, there is mounting pressure on Governor Rotimi Akeredolu who returned from medical vacation abroad few months ago, but could not assume duty in Akure – the Ondo State capital; instead, he has been convalescing in Ibadan – the Oyo State capital.
Meanwhile, in the last few weeks, moves aimed at impeaching the Deputy Governor of the State Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa thickened as members of the Ondo State House of Assembly reportedly adopted a motion and wrote to the State Chief Judge to constitute a Panel to investigate allegations against the Deputy Governor.
This caused uproar and Ondo State remained in political and governance uncertainty before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervened last week. Even with the intervention, peace is yet to return to the Sunshine State.
Reacting to this development through a Press Release made available today to Journalists by the Group and signed by its National Coordinator – Mal. Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Group stated that the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), provided for what is to be done – adding that, the continued absence of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in office due to medical reason was not in the best interest of Ondo State and its people.
Referring to Section 189 to 191 of the Nation’s Constitution, the Media Group stated that the Constitution stated that: ‘Whenever any Governor is proceeding on vacation which would make it impossible to for him to perform his official functions, he should transmit a written declaration to the State House of Assembly….and the Deputy Governor shall perform the functions of the office as the Acting Governor…’
The Group therefore wondered why this is not done warning that where there is no constitutional crisis, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu should not cause any by allegedly initiating an impeachment process against Deputy Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Recalling two similar incidents in Nigeria that occurred in the past, the Media Group said when Late President Umar Yar’adua was sick, he formally handed-over to Vice-President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to rule the Nation and similarly Former President Muhammadu Buhari handed-over to Professor (Pastor) Yemi Osinbajo in Acting capacity in line with the constitutional provisions stated here.
While praying seriously to God to hasten the recovery of the Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, the Media Group appealed to him to hand-over to the Deputy Governor Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to continue his assignment in Acting capacity pointing out that any attempt to delay on this step would continue to create constitutional crisis which would not serve the interest of the people of Ondo State.
The Group described as a misnomer the attempt to impeach the Deputy Governor, adding that service to the people as pledged by the Governor and the Legislators on their first days in office should be holistically paramount in their minds instead of embarking on political distraction aimed at serving their interest individual or group of people; pointing out that success and progress of Ondo State should be uppermost in their minds.
MMWG commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for wading into the crisis but appealed to him to direct the Ruling Party to reach-out to the ailing Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to respect the Constitution by urgently doing the needful; pointing out that handing over to the Deputy Governor in Acting capacity does not mean he has resigned from office completely.
The Group maintained that in other climes, public office holders who are seriously sick do resign as provided for in the law, but in the black race – some people still prefer to continue even if they are incapacitated.
MMWG concluded by calling on Nigerian Politicians to stop personalising their offices, and governing the people as if ‘they can do and undo’ reminding them that absolute power lies with Almighty Allah who has control over everything.
